Who is this for? Solo travelers, couples, and light-data users staying in Tokyo.
Is it good? Yes. It connected instantly at Shibuya Crossing and handled Google Maps perfectly. It is cheaper and lighter than a Pocket WiFi.
Who should avoid it? Heavy creators uploading 4K video (get a Pocket WiFi) or those with locked phones.
👉 Check current Airalo Japan eSIM plans hereShibuya is the ultimate stress test. With thousands of people fighting for bandwidth at the scramble crossing and deep underground subway stations, if it works here, it works anywhere.
Disclaimer: I live near Shibuya. I paid for this eSIM with my own money. This is not a sponsored post.
Install the eSIM before you board your flight to Tokyo. You need WiFi to install it, but airport WiFi can be spotty.
I verified the connection in three challenging scenarios:
Google Maps: Zero lag. The blue dot tracked me perfectly even in the narrow backstreets of Center-gai.
Messaging: LINE, WhatsApp, and iMessage worked instantly. Sending photos took about 2-3 seconds.
TikTok / Reels: Scrolling through video feeds sometimes buffered for 1-2 seconds in crowded areas. It’s usable, but not "fiber-optic" fast.
I experienced no connection issues during this test. However, here are common fixes if you get stuck:
Is Airalo better than a traditional rental WiFi?
| Feature | Airalo eSIM | Pocket WiFi |
|---|---|---|
| Price (7 Days) | ~$10 (Cheap) | ~$40+ (Expensive) |
| Convenience | Instant Download | Pick up/Return at Airport |
| Battery | Uses Phone Battery | One more device to charge |
| Speed | Good (4G) | Fast (Often Unlimited) |
For 90% of tourists visiting Tokyo, Airalo is the smartest choice. It provided reliable speed in the busiest part of Shibuya for a fraction of the cost of roaming.
The setup was painless, and I never lost signal in the subway.
Yes, cellular coverage is generally good on the Tokaido Shinkansen (Tokyo to Kyoto/Osaka), though you may lose signal briefly in tunnels.
Yes, Airalo allows personal hotspots. You can share data with your iPad or laptop.